My name is Doug, and I am a neurodiverse creative. Diagnosed with being on the autistic spectrum at the age of 20, I’m now 42 and have had a long journey of self-discovery and overcoming challenges that many people may never fully understand. I live in Cambridgeshire, UK, with my bearded dragon, who is quite the character and often an excellent companion during my late-night coding sessions.
Growing up, I didn’t hear the word "intelligent" directed at me often. In fact, I was only called intelligent twice before I was 20. Before that, my experience of school was one of intense bullying and ridicule. As a socially awkward, eccentric individual, I didn’t quite fit in with my peers. This often led to feelings of isolation, and at times, a sense of frustration about how others saw me. Despite these challenges, I always found solace and freedom in my creative side — particularly through singing and comedy. Performing in front of people became a safe space, an outlet where I could express myself without fear of judgment.
Yet, even though I found a creative outlet, something deep inside me was always intrigued by the more logical and technical aspects of life. I have always been naturally drawn to the way things work — mechanics, electronics, and of course, computing. The left-brain thinking of problem-solving, the way systems fit together, and how everything has a purpose or function within a larger framework — all of these ideas fascinated me.
About five years ago, I took a leap into the world of coding. It wasn’t a smooth transition or even something I had planned, but rather a hobby that evolved into a passion. It all started when I heard a story — the comical scenario of a time traveller. The idea was that this time traveller would enter the past and amaze people with futuristic technology, explaining how it works and captivating the crowd. However, when someone inevitably asked the question, "So, how does it work?" the time traveller would be left dumbfounded, unable to explain the mechanisms behind the magic.
This concept, though fictional and humorous, sparked something in me. It made me wonder — how could anyone truly be a part of shaping the future if they didn’t understand the fundamental workings behind the technology they used every day? And so, driven by a curiosity for how things worked at a deeper level, I decided to give coding a shot.
I signed up for Codecademy, and what began as a casual exploration quickly snowballed into something much more. It wasn’t just about learning to code — it was about unlocking creativity through problem-solving and technology. Over time, I became increasingly obsessed with the idea of creating something new and building systems that could positively impact people's lives. Before I knew it, I had trained as a MERN stack web developer (MongoDB, Express, React, Node.js) and started to apply these skills to real projects.
Productivity Through Neurodiversity and Coding
For me, the journey to becoming a web developer wasn't just about acquiring technical skills. It was a way of channeling my neurodiverse thinking in a productive and positive direction. There’s a misconception that autism or being neurodivergent is something that makes us “less” capable of achieving in certain fields, but I’ve found it to be a strength. The way my brain processes information — with precision and attention to detail — has proven incredibly valuable in the world of development, where logic and structure reign supreme.
In fact, coding became my secret weapon for improving my productivity. Before diving into web development, I had struggled with maintaining focus and staying productive in other areas of my life. Neurodiversity brings unique challenges, especially when it comes to staying on task and managing time effectively. But coding, with its clear problem-solving framework, allowed me to develop a sense of structure. The satisfaction of solving problems and building something functional gave me a sense of accomplishment that I hadn’t experienced in quite some time.
As I delved deeper into development, I started to incorporate strategies that helped me maintain productivity while still embracing my creative side. Here are a few practices I’ve found helpful in balancing both:
Breaking Tasks Into Smaller Chunks
For a neurodiverse individual, tasks that feel too large or vague can become overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Coding has taught me to break down tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. For example, when working on a complex project, I might break it down into smaller features (e.g., building the front-end user interface, writing API endpoints, testing, and debugging). This allows me to focus on one thing at a time, making it easier to stay on track.Establishing a Routine
One of the biggest productivity challenges I faced early on was staying consistent. As a creative, I’ve often found it difficult to stick to rigid routines. However, I've learned that establishing a flexible but consistent routine can drastically increase productivity. This involves setting aside specific time blocks for coding, learning, and self-care. Over time, this has helped me create a rhythm and maintain momentum in my projects.Leveraging Passion for Problem-Solving
When you love something, it’s much easier to stay motivated. For me, the logical flow of coding provides a sense of satisfaction that fuels my productivity. Whenever I’m stuck, I treat it as a puzzle to solve rather than a roadblock. This shift in mindset has made coding less of a chore and more of an exciting challenge. It’s become my own form of creative expression, and that drives my focus.Tracking Progress and Reflecting
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and lose sight of how much progress you’ve made. I’ve started keeping a journal of my coding journey, noting down tasks completed, problems solved, and new skills learned. Reflecting on my progress, no matter how small, gives me a sense of accomplishment and fuels my drive to continue learning and improving.
The Future of My Coding Journey
Looking forward, I hope to continue expanding my skills, particularly with React, Node.js, and full-stack development. I’m currently working on a social media app where users can share their stories through photos, videos, and audio. It’s a thrilling project, and each new feature I build brings a wave of excitement and learning.
I believe that the intersection of creativity and technical ability is where some of the most exciting things happen in the world of computing. As I continue this journey, I want to encourage others — especially those who are neurodiverse — to explore their potential in the world of coding. It's a space that welcomes unique thinking and diverse perspectives, and there’s a place for everyone in this field.
Whether you're just starting or have been coding for years, I urge you to stay curious and keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Coding is not just about writing lines of code; it's about creating something new, solving problems, and, ultimately, making a positive impact. For me, it’s been a transformative journey, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.
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